Associate Counsel, Employment and Commercial

Overview

This role provides legal support across employment, labor, commercial contracting, and general business matters. The Associate Counsel, Employment & Commercial will partner with Human Resources, business leaders, and members of the Legal Department to deliver practical, risk-based advice. Responsibilities include supporting employee relations matters and drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a range of employment-related and commercial agreements.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance and support on day-to-day employment matters, including:
  • hiring, performance management, and employee relations
  • accommodations and leaves of absence
  • wage and hour matters
  • discipline, terminations, and workforce changes
• Conduct legal research and provide clear, practical guidance on federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Assist with employment-related investigations, including reviewing documentation, identifying legal considerations, and recommending appropriate next steps.
• Draft, review, revise, and negotiate employment-related agreements, including:
  • offer letters
  • employment agreements
  • separation and release agreements
  • confidentiality agreements
  • restrictive covenant agreements
  • other employee-related documents
• Draft, review, and negotiate routine commercial agreements, including:
  • consulting
  • independent contractor agreements
  • vendor and professional services agreements
  • confidentiality and related business agreements
• Review contract terms to identify legal, operational, and business risks and recommend revisions or escalation.
• Assist with the development, review, and revision of employment policies, handbooks, procedures, templates, and other HR-related documentation.
• Partner with Human Resources on employee relations matters to identify legal risk and support consistent application of organizational policies and employment practices.
• Support organizational changes by reviewing documentation and identifying employment law considerations.
• Coordinate documentation and assist with discovery, including conducting research and partnering with outside counsel as needed.
• Monitor employment law developments and help communicate relevant legal and regulatory changes to internal stakeholders.
• Support contract management activities, including maintaining templates, tracking agreements, and promoting consistency in contractual terms.
• Collaborate with other Legal Department team members on corporate, commercial, compliance, and other legal matters as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and use sound judgment when handling sensitive employee, business, and legal information.
• Comply with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Foundational experience advising on or supporting employment and employee relations matters.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and other legal agreements.
• Ability to identify legal and contractual risks and translate legal requirements into practical business guidance.
• Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to review complex documents accurately.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to communicate effectively with HR professionals, business leaders, employees, outside counsel, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently and escalate complex or higher-risk matters appropriately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn legal, contract management, and HR systems.

Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required.
• 5–8 years of relevant legal experience preferred, including experience with employment law and contract drafting, review, or negotiation.
• Experience may be gained through a law firm, corporate legal department, government agency, clerkship, or similar legal environment.
• Experience partnering with Human Resources or supporting employee relations matters preferred.
• Experience reviewing commercial, vendor, consulting, or professional services agreements preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Active license to practice law and good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction required.

Work Complexity

Problems and issues are difficult and complex and may require understanding of a broader set of issues, including consideration of multiple issues and an understanding of the financial/mortgage industry. Solutions are typically developed through prior experience and analysis.

Work Environment

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior office environment with a moderate noise level.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

ADA

Applicants and employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants and employees are encouraged to meet with Human Resources for case-by-case review of reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.

Other

This role is an individual contributor position. Other related duties may be assigned. Duties may change with or without prior notice based on organizational needs.